Can You Get Bird Flu From Eating Chicken? Exploring The Risks And Precautions

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The recent surge in bird flu outbreaks across the globe has caused a slight panic among global health bodies, with the UN agencies warning that the virus may be adapting to infect humans more easily in the future.

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds. However, there has been concern among people about whether consuming chicken can lead to bird flu transmission.

And the recent update about the virus' changing virility is cause enough for one to be concerned about whether you can get bird flu from eating chicken.

Can You Get Bird Flu From Eating Chicken?

While bird flu is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings, there is a slight risk of contracting the virus through consumption, but it is the consumption of undercooked or raw chicken [1]. Experts point out that proper cooking methods significantly reduce this risk [2].

For example, in 1997, an outbreak of the H5N1 strain of bird flu in Hong Kong was linked to the consumption of infected chicken meat [3].

Proper cooking of chicken or any poultry at high temperatures, above 165°F (74°C), effectively kills the bird flu-causing virus, making it safe to consume [4].

Examples Of Bird Flu Outbreaks Linked To Chicken Consumption

Throughout history, there have been several notable outbreaks of bird flu linked to chicken consumption:

• 1997 Hong Kong outbreak: The H5N1 bird flu strain was transmitted to humans through infected chicken meat, resulting in six deaths.
• 2004 Vietnam outbreak: The H5N1 strain caused multiple human infections, with the majority occurring due to direct contact with sick or dead birds [5].
• 2013 China outbreak: The H7N9 strain of bird flu was associated with live poultry markets, where people were exposed to infected chickens [6].

Precautions To Reduce The Risk Of Bird Flu

To minimise the risk of contracting bird flu from eating chicken, follow these precautions [7]:

• Cook chicken thoroughly: Make sure that chicken is cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential viruses.
• Avoid cross-contamination: Prevent the spread of bacteria or viruses by separating raw chicken from other foods and using separate cutting boards and utensils.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken or any surfaces that may have come into contact with it.

Moreover, it would be ideal if you were able to refrain from eating chicken for some time.

On A Final Note...

While it is natural to have concerns about the transmission of bird flu to humans through eating chicken, the risk is low.

By properly cooking and handling poultry, and practising good hygiene, you can minimise the risk of contracting bird flu.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.